Chapter Text
The steady rocking of the small transport yacht kept Doctor Bethany Watkins from falling asleep, her overall demeanor calm and composed. Beside her was a small metal briefcase with some very important technology inside it, a leftover project that she and her mentor, Dr. Anzeel worked on in the past. Though it had taken a while, she was able to complete it on her own, using notes that her mentor had left behind.
Behind her bespectacled blue eyes was a small glimmer of intrigue; today was going to be a very wonderful day for her. For not only would she see the ‘Type II’ riggings brought to life, but she’ll also be able to pay Littorio a visit. Word of her pregnancy spread like wildfire throughout Eagle Union’s High Command, with the R & D wing being particularly notable. Many didn’t believe it to be true, but the glowing reports from the young admiral Cunningham couldn’t be ignored.
As such, Watkins has taken it upon herself to verify these reports, and deliver the crucial technology to the port. To quote the old saying, it was killing two birds with one stone. The whirring of the motor slowly ground to a halt as the yacht approached the dock, a few Manjuu crawling out the woodworks to help park the small boat. Picking up her briefcase, Watkins gingerly walked off the yacht and made her way onto the dock, where she was soon greeted by Enterprise.
“Doctor Watkins.” Enterprise greeted her warmly, the duo gingerly shaking each other’s hand. “How may I help you today?”
“I wish to see Commander Cunningham. It’s in regard to the Type II riggings that have been in development.” The polite yet clinical tone of Watkins graced the carrier’s ears, the latter giving her a quick nod in return.
“Follow me.” She replied, gingerly escorting the doctor through the docks and into the main headquarters. Stepping into the lobby, a feeling of familiarity overcame the bespectacled doctor. Everything was just as it was when she last visited here; the walls were neatly decorated, the furniture was in immaculate condition, and the carpet itself was crumb free. But she wasn’t here to admire the interior; she had important business to attend to.
Arriving at the door to Richard’s office, Enterprise gingerly knocked on it, fingers rapping upon the wooden surface. “Commander? It’s Doctor Watkins, she wishes to speak to you.”
“I wasn’t informed about this…” The muffled mumbling of Commander Cunningham echoed from the other side, the young man making his way to the door and gingerly opened it up. “Ah, don’t mind my mumbling. Good day to you, Doctor Watkins!”
“Goody day to you as well, Commander.” Watkins offered him a small smile, gingerly walking into the office with Enterprise following behind her. Making his way to his desk, he offered both of them a seat, something which they gladly accepted. Taking a seat himself, Richard swiveled his chair to face the middle-aged woman. “Now then, how can I help you?”
On cue, Watkins gingerly placed the metal briefcase atop his desk, a curious glance forming upon the blonde’s face. “I’m here to successfully report the completion of the Type II rigging!” She declared with a small smile.
“That’s great news!” Richard chimed merrily, his expression dropping as mild feelings of confusion soon overcame him. “…but what is it exactly? My apologies, but this is the first time I’ve heard of such a project.”
“It was kept under wraps for several years, following the disappearance of Dr. Anzeel. This project…” A hint of melancholy overcame the older woman as her shoulders drooped slightly. “…it was the last one we worked on together.”
An empathetic gaze formed on Richard’s face as he reached out for her elder, resting a hand atop her arm. “I’m so sorry to hear that, I know how much you looked up to her.”
“Your sentiments are appreciated, Commander Cunningham…” Watkins replied calmly, her eyes drifting towards Enterprise as she sat silently beside her. “…but I’m not the only one affected by her disappearance.”
“I understand.” He replied calmly, lifting his hand off the doctor’s arm as he gave Enterprise an empathetic look as well. Given how she was the first KANSEN of them all, it was no surprise to him that she was close to Anzeel. Her disappearance would’ve no doubt scarred the Grey Ghost; he’d have to speak to her in private when he gets the chance today.
However, there was a more pressing matter right now; the fabled Type II rigging that he’s just heard about today. “My apologies for shifting the subject, but I’d like to know more about this project you worked on.”
Whatever melancholy Watkins may’ve felt was replied by a confident fascination, a gleam shining from her blue eyes. “Before I get to the finer details, a little back story may be necessary. Are you familiar with the concept of re-using a name for military vessels?”
“Vaguely. I know throughout history that several ships have the same name as an earlier ship, usually one that was sunk in battle. The HMS Yorktown for instance…” Richard began politely.
“It’s ironic that you specifically brought up Yorktown. She’s one of the subject of today’s project…” Watkins continued as she gingerly unclasped the briefcase, opening it up to reveal a set of five multicolored Wisdom Cubes nestled inside. “These are the Wisdom Cubes for the modified rigging, Yorktown’s being one of them. With this, her rigging will be upgraded into her Essex-class counterpart.”
Her words graced Enterprise’s ears, the Grey Ghost turning her head to gaze upon them. This new power…if her older sister had that, then she wouldn’t need to worry about her being sunk. She was given a new hope, a new destiny; perhaps this was Anzeel’s parting gift to her.
“Doctor Watkins...” Enterprise spoke up, piquing the doctor’s attention. “Will this be enough to give Yorktown the power she needs to ensure her survival?”
“Precisely.” She replied with a small but warm smile. “With this, your sister will avoid the fate that befell her back then.”
“That’s…that’s all I wanted to hear.” A look of serenity overcame Enterprise, the carrier resisting the urge to cry in front of her creator’s assistant. Reaching out to her, Richard gingerly gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, the blonde man shooting her a tender smile.
“Everything’s going to be alright, Enty. I just know it…” He chimed at her, the Grey Ghost turning her head and gave him an appreciative nod. Gently tapping the back of her hand, Richard soon relinquished his grip and turned towards the briefcase once more, his eyes focusing on the other four Cubes. “Are all five cubes for Yorktown, or is each one for a different KANSEN?”
“The latter. The other four are for Hornet, Northampton, Hammann and Langley.” Dr. Watkins answered quickly, her hands soon resting atop the wooden desk. “If it’s possible, I would like to have all five women report to me in the port’s laboratory so that I may upgrade them with the new Cubes.”
“Hornet and Northampton are out on a commission at the moment, but they should be back sometime this evening. As for the other three, I’ll issue them an order to meet with you in the labora—” Richard began.
“Commander.” Enterprise spoke up quietly, her hand raised in the air. “I can get them for you if that’s alright.”
“That would be appreciated, Enterprise.” He smiled at her, with the Grey Ghost bowing her head. Gingerly getting up off her chair, she quietly made her way out the office, closing the door behind her. Now on their own, Watkins was able to speak about more…pressing matters.
“How goes your investigation into Anzeel’s whereabouts?” She inquired the young man, a soft sigh of defeat flowing from his lips.
“Negative. I brought it up to Fleet Admiral Page the other day, but he’s at a dead end as well. I even took the time to call Wellington all the way in the Royal Isles, but he had no leads as well. Whoever—or whatever was responsible for her disappearance, they covered up their tracks very well…” Richard reported to her, the middle-aged woman raising a hand to her chin.
“That’s troubling to hear. If not even Page and Wellington can uncover any leads, then we may be in for the long haul…” Watkins mused to herself with a frown, an idea forming within her mind. “The President, perhaps?”
“President Frost? It’ll be very hard to contact him at the moment given the current political scandal involving the Californian Senator…” Richard replied, his fingers casually drumming atop the wooden desk. “That said, he’d have access to the nation’s secret archives. There’s bound to be something in there that’ll point us in the right direction.”
“Provided that Gilman hadn’t destroyed the documents before he was ousted.” She interjected clearly, a frown growing upon her face. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he and his cronies had something to do with her disappearance.”
Her proposal gave some new insight to the young man, a look of intrigue forming within his eyes. When she put it like that, Gilman was an obvious suspect for Anzeel’s disappearance. The only question is, how can they find definitive proof? It was highly doubtful that he’d leave any evidence behind, nor has he made any confessions while in prison. If not him, they perhaps one of his chief underlings? Sanders had completely disappeared off the radar, leaving them with—
“Biddle!” Richard gently slammed his fist upon the table. “If Gilman won’t talk, then Biddle would. All we’ll have to do is bribe him with alcohol and his lips will begin flapping like crazy.”
Watkins couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in intrigue. “That can’t be legal, Cunningham.”
“You’re right, it isn’t legal. But when have I allowed laws to stop me…?” He replied with a casual smirk, reclining within his chair. “After all, my way of reuniting the factions wasn’t what you’d call legal, right?”
“Touché…” Watkins conceded, her mind reliving the sheer surprise she felt when she had first heard of Richard’s daring gambit. Making herself comfortable within her chair, the bespectacled woman opted to shift the conversation to a different topic. “Once we’re finished with the upgrade, may I pay Littorio a visit?”
“Ah, you wish to speak to her regarding her pregnancy?” He deduced, with his elder giving him a firm nod. “It’s perfectly fine with me. I’ll just need to inquire her if she’s accepting visitors today.”
“I can work with that.” A smile formed upon Watkins’ face as she gingerly got up off her chair, with Richard following suit. Being able to witness a KANSEN during one of the happiest moments of their lives; oh how she wished Anzeel was here to see it. Picking up her briefcase, she gingerly walked out of the office, with Richard following suit. While tagging along behind her, he opted to send Littorio a text message.
Wings_of_Taranto: Hey sweetheart, Dr. Watkins wishes to pay you a visit. Are you accepting visitors today?
Silence…then, a few moments later.
VV_Littorio: But of course! The lovely Dr. Watkins is more than worthy of gazing upon baby Italia~
“She’s given you the all clear, doctor.” Richard commented, with Watkins shooting him an appreciative smile. With that settled, they can now focus on the main highlight of the day.
0000
“Yorktown…” Enterprise gingerly commented, making herself comfortable beside her older sister. A massive surge of emotion was coursing through the Grey Ghost, her mind abuzz with a variety of possibilities. How will the procedure change her sister? Looks? Personality? Or something else entirely? Though she was excited over the possibility, she was also a little nervous as well. Sensing her sister’s emotions, Yorktown gingerly reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“It’s going to be alright, Enty.” She reassured her little sister, arm wrapping around in a warm embrace. In stark contrast to Enterprise’s nervousness, Yorktown was feeling a sense of anticipation within her heart. Not only was this going to be a new step for her, but it’ll be a new step for Azur Lane towards defeating their enemies once and for all. Nestled right beside her was Hammann, the destroyer merrily humming to herself. “I see you’re enthusiastic about this, Hammann.”
“Mhm. I’ll be able to protect you with this new power!” The white-haired girl pledged adamantly; her fists clenched together. “U-556 will no doubt be impressed by it.”
“You two have really grown close, haven’t you?” Yorktown continued with a smile.
“Yep. We’re both working on the same goal together. Plus she’s nice and—” Hammann began, her eyes soon noticing an amused smile forming upon Yorktown’s face. “I-It’s not what you think it is!!”
“Of course, of course~” She chuckled sweetly, the door to the soon opening behind them as Richard and Watkins entered the moderately lit room. The bespectacled doctor glanced at the Cube Integration machine before her, her eyes taking note of every intricate detail. The capsule to the left was large enough for even the tallest of KANSEN to feel comfortable in, whereas the monitor itself was beeping and booping with a flurry of light chimes. Upon one of the monitor’s consoles was a small slot where the Wisdom Cube is to be inserted, the tray currently empty as of now.
“So, how do you like the Cube Integration machine? It enables me to upgrade a KANSEN’s combat abilities within minutes via the use of blueprints and skill books.” Richard chimed in with a sense of pride.
“I had a hand in helping Dr. Anzeel design the machine. I know all of it’s capabilities like the back of my hand.” A small smile formed on Watkin’s face as she finished her inspection. “I appreciate the fact that you’re keeping it in excellent condition. It’s not exactly the cheapest item to replace.”
“I figured as such.” He uttered a quick chuckle in return, gingerly scratching the back of his head. He soon turned to face the three KANSEN awaiting upgrades, taking note of their expressions. “Okay, who’d like to go first?”
“I volunteer.” Langley gingerly got up off her chair. “As the first of Eagle Union’s carriers, it’s up to me to set an example.”
“Very good. Miss Langley, please make your way to the capsule.” Watkins called out as the doctor made her to the console, inserting one of the cubes into the slot. Shooting her a quick nod, Langley stepped into the capsule as the door closed shut, a question forming within Richard’s mind.
“Will the process be painful, Dr. Watkins?”
Turning her head to face him, she gingerly shook it, her gaze drifting back towards the console. “She’s going to feel something, but it won’t be painful. Think about those massage chairs you see in shopping malls, that’s what it’ll feel like.” She answered while her fingers typed away on the console, before inserting the cube-filled tray into the monitor. A low, whirring sound fill the room as a flurry of lights emanated from the capsule, a thin blanket of smoke slowly coating the tiled floor. A look of intrigue was on Hammann’s face, while Yorktown and Enterprise remained silent.
Soon, the whirring dies down alongside the lights, the capsule door slowly opening as the new and improved Langley stepped out the capsule. The petite woman had grown a couple inches taller, her light green-hair growing out as well. Her outfit now consisted of a black pencil skirt and jacket over a white dress shirt, a striped tie hanging over her neck. Additionally, she wore a set of black high heels and matching thigh-high socks, an impressed look within her eyes.
“Ahem! I am the new and improved Langley. How do I look? Perhaps more refined than before? Better prepared to receive more demanding orders, even?” She spoke with a hint of pride, briefly conjuring her more advanced rigging before retracting them once more. “Hehe... I hope you're excited to see what I can do, Commander!”
“Oh I’m excited, alright!” Richard began with a borderline enthusiastic look in his eyes, the young man on the verge of leaping out his seat. “This could be the beginning of a new step for Azur Lane!”
“As long as you don’t shirk your duties to daydream, everything’s going to go well. You need to set a good example for all the other women here.” Langley reminded him, gingerly twirling the crop within her hands. “As for you, Enterprise. I’d like for you to come see me later today. I’ve got a special lecture prepared for you.”
“Yes Langley!” The Grey Ghost replied respectfully, gingerly bowing at her. Satisfied, the green-haired carrier took her seat once more, with Hammann soon hopping off of hers.
“Eager are we, Hammann?” Dr. Watkins inquired.
“Mhm. I’ve been looking forward to this!” The destroyer chimed merrily, walking into the capsule as the door closed behind her. Re-opening the tray, Watkins inserted a second cube into it before closing it, typing away at the monitor once more. The whirring of the machine roared back into life, the lights glowing fervently as more smoke billowed out the capsule. Muffled giggles could be heard from inside; no doubt Hammann was fighting off the urge to begin chuckling.
Yorktown watched the scene before her, the carrier’s fingers slipping around Richard’s. Shooting her a look of reassurance, he gingerly squeezed her hand, the silver-haired carrier shooting him a look of appreciation. Even though she was told everything was going to be alright, Yorktown’s motherly instinct couldn’t help but express concern for Hammann.
Her fears would soon be quashed once the whirring died down, the capsule door slowly opening as the destroyer gingerly stepped outside. An optimistic look formed upon Richard’s face; perhaps she won’t be as sharp-tongued towards hi—
“Wh-what do you think you're looking at, pervert?!” Hammann chastised him lightly, an adorable pout forming upon her face. Yep, still the same Hammann as before. And to be honest, he wouldn’t have her any other way.
“I just think you look even cuter than before, Hammann~” He chimed merrily at her, the white-haired girl jumping back in surprise. Like with Langley, she had grown a couple inches taller, especially around her legs. Her maid uniform was a lot cleaner and more luxurious, the cat-ears atop her head taking on a more futuristic approach.
Taken aback by his words, Hammann didn’t even offer a reply, merely muttering to herself as he cheeks sported a mild blush. Now that it was Yorktown’s turn, the graceful carrier gingerly got up off her seat, with Enterprise standing up as well.
“Good luck, sister.” Enterprise wished her well, the duo giving each other a quick hug.
“Everything’s going to be fine, Enterprise.” Yorktown reassured her, the duo separating as the silver-haired woman made her way into the capsule. The door closing behind her, Watkins reached for the third cube and gingerly inserted it into the tray, closing it seconds later. For the third time today, a whirring sound emanated from the capsule, the lights flaring up as brightly as before. All eyes were locked upon the device, with Enterprise in particular showing great enthusiasm. The power her older sister would possess…it invoked a sense of intrigue within the Grey Ghost.
The whirring of the machine soon died down; the moment of judgement was nigh. Slowly stepping out the device, the thin blanket of smoke gave way to the new and improved Yorktown.
Richard was left speechless at the sight; it was as if an angel had descended from the heavens above and stood before him. Yorktown was now wearing an elegant black and white dress with wing decals attached to it. the outfit also had a black waistcoat of sorts atop it, the leather garment suiting the outfit nicely. Additionally, she was now wearing black pantyhose that showed off her wonderful legs, as well as a blue ribbon tied around her neck.
Her physical appearance has changed as well; on top of growing a couple inches taller, her body appeared to be more curvaceous than before. Her breasts had grown considerably, her dress showing off a fair amount of cleavage. Additionally, her silver hair had grown longer than before, reaching all the way to her waist. But the look within her pristine blue eyes indicated that she was still the same Yorktown as before in terms of personality.
“To be able to fight alongside my friends in this new form…” Yorktown mused quietly to herself, before shooting a warm smile at the blonde man. “You’re just as sweet as always, Ritchie~”
With that, she walked towards him and gingerly kissed his cheek, a sheepish chuckle escaping from the young man. “I-I’m glad you like it, Yorktown…” He stammered with the faintest of blushes, the silver-haired woman gingerly laughing to herself.
“Like it? I love it! This new form feels so…liberating. No longer do I have to worry about the darkness overcoming me.” She regaled blissfully, twirling on the spot as Enterprise gingerly walked up to her. “Come here, Enty. Let your sister hug you~”
Before she could respond, the Grey Ghost found herself within her sister’s embrace, immense feelings of warmth flowing throughout her body. It was very comfortable, the white-haired woman gingerly resting her head within Yorktown’s soft bosom for a few moments.
“It’s a most wonderful feeling, hmm?” Yorktown chimed in, with Enterprise giving her a quick nod. “I’m sure Hornet will also enjoy this new feeling as well.”
“Right.” Enterprise spoke up quickly, her gaze shifting towards Watkins as she was taking down a few notes. “So what do we do now, Doctor?”
Briefly lifting her head from her notepad, the bespectacled woman gingerly adjusted her glasses. “For now, I suggest taking it easy. Their bodies have yet to fully adapt to the new cubes. As such, they are to refrain from engaging in any practice drills for a week at least.”
“I understand. Even so, that doesn’t mean I can’t perform other duties…” Langley chimed in, her gaze drifting towards Enterprise. Knowing what she was going to say next, the Grey Ghost broke off her hug with Yorktown before following Langley out the lab room, mentally preparing herself for the teacher’s lecture.
“Yorktown, Yorktown! Can we have tea time with U-556 and Bismarck?” Hammann eagerly jumped off her chair and reached for her hand, an elegant chuckle escaping from the silver-haired woman.
“Certainly. I’m sure Bismarck will be impressed with this new power.” Yorktown happily accepted, the older woman escorting her daughter figure out the room. This left Richard and Watkins on their own, the blonde man casually approaching her.
“I didn’t want to ask this around Yorktown, but why was her changes more drastic that the other two? Langley and Hammann grew taller and got new outfits, whereas Yorktown got those plus some…additional curves.” He inquired her out of curiosity, uttering the last line with some hesitance.
“I’m not surprised you’d notice her enhanced figure, Commander Cunningham.” Dr. Watkins replied in a deadpan manner, eliciting a fierce blush from the blonde man as the former returned to her note-taking. “As for theories, it could be how humanity envisioned the Essex-class Yorktown. Not overly exciting, I know. But the most logical.”
“I see…” Richard mused to himself, his hands digging into his coat pockets. “When we’re done here, did you want to pay Littorio a visit? She’ll be very excited to see you.”
“Sounds good to me!” She chimed in agreement, the bespectacled woman continuing to take down notes.
0000
“…Danke. Your tea smells as divine as always.” A smile graced Bismarck’s face as she gingerly lifted her cup to her lips, casually tasting Yorktown’s freshly-made brew. Almost immediately, the subtle taste of honey and rosemary graced her tongue, washing away all what little stress had been pent up within the blonde battleship. To the side of them, U-556 and Hammann were gingerly playing with each other, the former cooing in awe over her friend’s new form.
“I’m glad to see that my prowess hasn’t been hampered in any way.” Yorktown smiled blissfully as she poured herself a cup, resting the pot between the two women. Lifting the cup to her lips, the silver-haired woman took a sip for herself, allowing her brew to flow down her throat. “I must say, the feeling isn’t like anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s hard for me to describe though, it’s one of those situations you have to be in yourself, Bismarck.”
“I’m sure it was a more pleasant experience than the Corrupted Wisdom Cube I indulged in back then.” Bismarck commented as she gingerly rested her cup atop her saucer, her legs soon crossing over each other. “Am I to assume that they’ll be more modifications like this in the future?”
“From what I’ve heard, Hornet and Northampton are getting their upgrade once they return from their commission. After that, I’m not 100% sure…” Yorktown answered, her fingers gingerly toying with the stunning blue rose within her hand. “I suppose Watkins will check up on us every month or so to see how we’re coping with out new rigging, if only to determine whether it’s worth continuing her research into the matter.”
The blonde battleship promptly reached for a small biscuit and began biting into it, a soft ‘crunch’ echoing throughout the room. “As someone with a passion for research and development, I can empathize with her immensely.”
“I’m sure it’s piqued your interests, Bismarck.” A pleasant chuckle flowed from Yorktown’s mouth, the carrier gingerly resting her hands within her lap. It was shortly after Bismarck had finished her snack that a question soon formed within her mind.
“These modified cubes, will they be made for everyone in Azur Lane, or only for the women of Eagle Union?” She inquired calmly.
“I believe the range is even small than all of Eagle Union.” Yorktown answered, taking a second sip of tea. “Enterprise told me some bits and pieces about it she overheard from Watkins and Richard. Supposedly, it’s only going to work for those who had more than one vessel to their name. In my case, I was given the rigging for the Essex-class Yorktown.”
“Ich sehe…” Bismarck mused quietly to herself, a hand raised to her chin. “I suppose that’s how humanity views your Essex-class counterpart, a modified version of yourself.”
A polite chuckle soon escaped from Yorktown’s mouth as she took a biscuit for herself. “I’ll take that as a compliment!”
As the two women continued their casual conversation, U-556 and Hammann continued to play with each other, the latter soon taking out her rigging to show it off. The submarine was in awe at the sight; the guns were a lot shinier than before, and they glowed a faint neon blue.
“Wow, they look so awesome…” U-556 gushed adorably, her small hand reaching to touch one of the guns.
“H-Hey! The doctor said we had to be careful with them.” Hammann backed away quickly, retracting her rigging seconds later.
“S-Sorry…” The submarine quickly offered an apology, bowing her head slightly at the destroyer. “Anyway, what did it feel like inside the capsule.”
“Ticklish.” Hammann resisted the urge to utter a giggle in reminiscence over her earlier experience. “It was as if I was all snuggled up inside a vibrating quilt.”
A doe-eyed look soon formed upon U-556’s face, the submarine eagerly turning towards Bismarck. “Lady Bismarck, Lady Bismarck! Can I get a cube upgrade as well?”
“In time, my dear Parzival.” The blonde woman smiled back at her, the blue-haired girl jumping for joy as she reached for Hammann’s hands. The destroyer was initially caught off-guard by her friend’s zeal, however she quickly joined in the fun. “Our daughters are such joyous souls.”
“Mmm, I’m proud of Hammann for easing up on the Commander. It took a while for her to fully trust him, but I’m glad the bridge was finally laid down between them…” Yorktown smiled cheerily, picking up her cup and took another sip of tea.
“Speaking of which, how was the Kommandant today?” Bismarck inquired with a chime in her tone, slightly leaning forward within her chair.
“Very good. I believe that he and Watkins will be paying Littorio a visit today.” Yorktown answered clearly, resting her cup atop her saucer again. “I know he appreciates all that you and Hood have done over the last few months. Taking over most of his duties so that he can tend to his pregnant wife, such a favor will not be forgotten easily.”
“We were both more than happy to help.” The Beacon of Ironblood replied while finishing off her cup of tea. “Hood and I, we love him as much as we love each other. He’s done so much for us, it’s only fair that we help him out when he needs it.”
“Even so, I’m sure he’ll find a way to repay you…” Yorktown continued with a smile, her lips curling into a playful expression. “Such as giving you two a child of your own~”
“D-Don’t tease me like that Yorktown…” An intense blush formed on the battleship’s face as she tilted her cap down, hoping to hide her flustered expression. Though there was truth to Yorktown’s words, Bismarck wasn’t 100% ready for the trials of motherhood. “B-Besides, I know you’re interested in raising a child with him as well.”
“You’ve got me there!” A chuckle of admission escaped from Yorktown’s mouth, the carrier resting comfortably within her chair. “Ah, we can talk about motherhood another time. got anything else you’d like to say?”
“As a matter of fact, I do…” Bismarck quickly regained her composure, the two older women proceeding to change topics, their tea party going on for another good hour or so.
Meanwhile…
Richard and Watkins were quickly making their way through the halls of Sardegnan’s dormitory, heading towards Littorio’s room without breaking a sweat. Upon noticing their arrival, Carabiniere gingerly knocked on the door beside her, alerting the green-haired battleship.
“Signora? The Comandante’s arrived!” She chirped quickly, her head turning to face the two of them. Gingerly opening the door, Carabiniere invited them inside, the duo giving her a quick nod of appreciation. There, they both saw Littorio gingerly sitting atop her bed, clad in her silky white casual wear. She was writing in her diary with a pleasant hum, the small book gently resting atop her swollen belly. Finishing her writing for the moment, she rested it atop her bedside drawer and turned to face the duo.
“Polpetto!” Littorio cheered as Richard slowly climbed onto the bed, the duo embracing each other warmly.
“How’s everything going, sweetheart?” Richard inquired warmly, gingerly planting a kiss upon her cheek. Making himself comfortable, he sat beside her and wrapped his arm around the battleship’s shoulder, his head turning to face Dr. Watkins.
“Molto bene!” Littorio planted a kiss of her own upon Richard’s cheek, the green-haired battleship turning to face the doctor as well. “Buongiorno, Dottore Watkins!”
“Buongiorno to you as well, Littorio.” She greeted in return, taking a seat beside the bed and gazed upon the battleship’s pregnant belly. She fought off all urges to lean over and gingerly rub it, opting to maintain a professional composure. But Littorio was able to detect the faint longing within her eyes, a smile forming upon her lips.
“If you wish to touch me, then give into your desires and touch me. I only ask that you express the utmost caution, Italia’s health and well-being is my sole priority.” She offered warmly, with Watkins uttering a quiet ‘yes!’ underneath her breath.
Leaning forward, she rested her hand atop the battleship’s stomach and began rubbing it sensually, a soft hum flowing from Littorio’s mouth. The doctor’s hand felt especially smooth against her bare skin, the Glory of Naples making herself comfortable within Richard’s arms.
“So how have you been handling pregnancy, Littorio? Any major bouts of emotional turmoil?” Watkins pressed her gingerly, lifting her hand from the battleship’s stomach.
“My emotions have been steady for the most part, thanks to the warm reassurances of all the lovely signoras here. And though the looming spectre of San Valentino nearly brought me over the edge of depression, it was thanks to my polpetto that I was saved from such a fate.” Littorio regaled tenderly, her fingers gingerly gliding all over her moonstone pendant.
“I figured that Commander Cunningham would go above and beyond for Valentine’s Day. He’s always been a romantic at heart.” Watkins commented casually, eliciting a bemused chuckle from the Glory of Naples.
“Why do you think he’s such a hit with the signoras here?” She playfully teased her husband, eliciting a faint blush from the young man.
“E-Easy there, Littorio…” Richard commented shyly, only to feel the battleship embrace him warmly.
“You know I’m only speaking the truth, polpetto~” She winked at him, gingerly planting a kiss upon his cheek once more. “Anyway, was there another reason you wished to see us, Dottore?”
“I’ve finished my development of the first Type II riggings. I’ve already applied them to Yorktown, Hammann and Langley. All I need to do is wait for Hornet and Northampton to return from their commission, and I’ll be able to upgrade them as well.” Watkins informed the Flagship of Azur Lane.
“You should’ve seen them Littorio! They looked amazing when they emerged in their new forms! Langley looked even more professional, Hammann looked even more adorable. Oh and Yorktown…she was like an angel descending onto the earth itself, she was that beautiful~” Richard gushed profusely, a bemused smirk forming on the battleship’s face.
“Is that so? Perhaps we should arrange a meeting with Signora Yorktown, after we’ve brought Italia into this world~” A playful smile formed upon Littorio’s face, no doubt fantasizing about a very lurid night between the three of them.
“No wonder you two go well together; you’re two peas in a pod…” Watkins muttered to herself, the doctor resisting the urge to crack a small smile. All of a sudden, Richard’s phone began buzzing, piquing the blonde man to fish it out his pocket.
Cleveland ☆ Knight: Yo! We’re a few minutes from port, Commander! Commission was a piece of cake!
“Ah, they’re home earlier than I anticipated…” Richard mused to himself, gingerly pocketing his phone before turning to face Watkins. “Hornet and Northampton are back. We can begin their upgrade very soon.”
“Wonderful!” Watkins chimed with a smile, gingerly getting off the chair as she turned to face Littorio. “It was lovely to see you again, I wish you a safe and happy pregnancy.”
“Grazie!” Littorio smiled at her, the Glory of Naples turning to face Richard. “Give my regards to the heroines when you see them!”
“I will, my love!” Richard replied, planting a kiss upon her soft lips. On cue, Carabiniere opened the door to allow the duo outside, the destroyer following suit to resume her post as guard. Now on her own, Littorio began gingerly rubbing her stomach once more, her anticipation growing by the second. It was only a matter of weeks before Italia would bless the world with her existence…